HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.08.96 Work Session Minutes
MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
SPECIAL - WORKSHOP
APRIL 8, 1996
1. Mayor Kuchera called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M..
Members Present: Kuchera, Galler, Fitch, Ristow, Gamer.
Members Absent: None.
Also Present: City Administrator Erar, Parks and Recreation Director Bell,
Finance
Director Henneke, City Engineer Kaldunski.
2. City Administrator Erar explained that the purpose of the workshop was to
present information and gain feedback from the Council which would allow staff to
proceed with research on the agenda topics.
3. Central Maintenance Facility
. City Engineer Kaldunski provided a brief history of studies performed to
determine the need for a new Central Maintenance Facility. He noted that the
most recent study done in 1994 suggested a central maintenance facility to
house Utilities and Solid Waste, ~arks and Recreation, and administrative
staff for both departments. Building size should begin at 35,000 to 45,000
square feet, with room for expansion to at least 65,000 square feet. A 10 to
15 acre site would be needed to accommodate the facility. Current City
facilities and possible future uses for each were reviewed. City
Administrator Erar asked for a general consensus among Councilmembers that a
new central maintenance facility was needed. The response was affirmative.
. Parks and Recreation Director Bell pointed out the current suggested location
sites for the facility. Administrator Erar requested the Council select 4 or
5 sites for further staff research. The pros and cons of the suggested sites
were discussed, along with the addition of 3 other sites suggested by
Councilmembers. Discussion led to the elimination of several sites. Staff
will research the remaining sites and bring the information obtained back to
Council at a future workshop. Council will then be able to narrow down the
selection to the three most feasible locations. It was stressed that the
final site should be centrally located within the City and be large enough to
accommodate future expansion.
. Finance Director Henneke presented the following facility cost estimates:
building costs would run approximately $60 per square foot ($2,100,000); site
acquisition cost for 10 to 15 acres would be from $100,000 to $150,000; site
improvements would be an additional $200,000; and equipping the building could
add another $300,000. The total estimated cost for the project would be $2.7
to $2.75 million. Mr. Henneke informed the Council that financing methods and
impact on residential taxes would be researched in more detail when the site
selection had been narrowed down.
. The schedule for future meetings will be discussed at the April 15th Council
meeting.
4. Township Funding Participation
Senior Center Coordinator Position
Parks and Recreation Director Bell had contacted the townships regarding
participation in funding this position. Empire Township had requested usage
figures; Castle Rock Township has delayed any decision until sometime in April;
and Eureka Township had not responded. Mr. Bell indicated that a study of, usage
had provided a breakdown of 71% Farmington, 5% Empire, 5% Castle Rock, 4% Eureka
and the remaining participants were from other cities. Discussion revolved
around the possible reduction in hours of operation of the Senior Center. It was
the consensus of the Council that requests for township funding of programs
should not be made in a "piecemeal" fashion, but rather as a budget package. The
Senior Center Coordinator position and hours of operation would be placed on the
agenda for the April 15th Council meeting.
Youth Sports Coordinator
Mr. Bell informed the Council that the area youth sports associations were
becoming more active once again, therefore, the proposed position would, not be
necessary at this time. Beginning and/or increasing user fees for various City
recreational services and facilities was discussed and will be included as part
of the 1997 budget process.
Pool Reconstruction
Swimming lesson and season pass fees were discussed as areas in which fees could
be raised. Mr. Bell informed the Council that all summer recreation fees ~ould
be placed on the April 15th Council agenda for review. It was necessary to move
quickly on establishing the fees since the Summer Recreation brochure would be
published at the beginning of May.
Mr. Bell informed the Council that the pool reconstruction project would require
concrete sawcutting and disposal which would be an additional cost of $6,100.00.
Director Bell requested Council approval of the expenditure. MOTION by Fitch,
second by Ristow to approve the expenditure of $6,300.00 for concrete sawcutting
and disposal at the municipal pool. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. ' ,
5. City Administrator Erar explained the proposed new staff seating arrangement
at Council meetings and the reasoning for the changes. The Council concurred
with staff's recommendations.
6. MOTION by Fitch, second by Gamer to adjourn at 10:00 P.M.. APIF, MOTION
CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
11;
Mary Hanson
Clerk Typist